originally posted on 2/3/2025
All Photos: Jackie Edwards. View full-sized image.
On December 8, 27 people attended ACE Pacific Southwest’s ACE Holiday at Castle Park event in Riverside, California. The location of the park is wonderful, as it’s an easy drive from Southern California and Arizona, where all attendees live. Castle Park has a rich history in Southern California. It was designed, built and operated by Bud Hurlbut, who designed rides for Knott’s Berry Farm. The park has been operating since 1976 and is now owned by Palace Entertainment.
ACE volunteers were on hand to welcome attendees to ACE Holiday at Castle Park.
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The event began with ERT on Merlin’s Revenge — the park’s Vekoma junior coaster.
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Registration began before noon because ERT on Merlin’s Revenge ran from 12 until 12:30. With the small group size hosted at a smaller park, it was nice to spend time in the queue with folks getting a chance to talk to one another. The Vekoma junior coaster was running well, and attendees enjoyed multiple rides, with some members trying to ride every row. The group then made its way to the Scrambler, which was followed by an ACE takeover on the drop tower and the train. Those on the train with an eagle eye who saw letters along the track and unscrambled them could take their answer to a booth for a sweet surprise! The pizza lunch was in a private space outside, which worked well, as the weather was quite nice for December. Those in their holiday sweaters even got a little warm! A trivia contest was held so folks could have a chance to win some Castle Park and ACE swag.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed the park’s rides, such as Scrambler and Merlin’s Mayhem, and interacted with Kevin, the Castle Park peacock.
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View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
The group photo was taken after lunch, and the group stayed together after that point, enjoying the Antique Cars, Tilt A Whirl and some Mini Golf. ACEers also had fun sighting Kevin, the Castle Park peacock, at various locations throughout the day. Attendees were sad that the Sally Dark Ride Ghost Blasters was not operating that day. After sunset the holiday decorations came alive and folks enjoyed the sights, with many staying until near park closing to experience the “snowfall.”
— Jackie Edwards, ACE Pacific Southwest Regional Representative
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